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(Plus What Ingredients to Avoid)
If the warm summer weather approaches and you’re immediately overwhelmed at the options for non-toxic sunscreen, you are not the only one. I remember before a vacation to Mexico, I stood in the aisle at the pharmacy just totally overwhelmed. Standing in the sunscreen aisle… flipping bottles over… trying to decide what actually matters. I spent over an hour reading labels until I finally decided on one. And during the trip… I burned to a crisp.
We want to avoid harsh ingredients… but we also want it to be effective and protect our family’s skin.
If you’ve ever felt stuck between those two things, you’re not alone.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through what it means to choose non-toxic sunscreen, what ingredients to avoid, and what actually matters when it comes to protecting your skin from the summer sun.
In this post…
- What “Non-Toxic Sunscreen” Actually Means
- Ingredients to Be Mindful Of
- What To Look For (Non-Toxic Sunscreen Breakdown)
- Kid & Baby Non-Toxic Sunscreen Options
- Popular Sunscreens To Avoid
- The Truth About Choosing Non-Toxic Sunscreen
- Sunscreen Free Sun Protection Options
- Simplifying Your Summer Wellness Routine
What “Non-Toxic Sunscreen” Actually Means
Let’s simplify this first, because this is where people (aka me) get confused. There are two main types of sunscreen:
1. Mineral
- Usually uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays
- Often preferred for “non-toxic” options
2. Chemical
- Uses ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate
- Absorbs UV rays into the skin
- Typically lighter and more invisible (why it’s desirable)
The biggest shift most moms make is simply switching from chemical to mineral. But that’s not all that matters.
Ingredients to Be Mindful Of
This is not about panic or fear. It’s about awareness. Because I have been through the phase of fear and avoid-this-at-all-costs, and it’s not fun. This is only meant to be helpful for you when you’re shopping for a sunscreen that’s the right fit for you (and this is not medical advice, I am not a dermatologist — please read my full disclaimer here).
Here are the most commonly discussed ingredients people choose to limit, and what I personally look for:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Avobenzone
- Octocrylene
- Fragrance (Parfum)
What To Look For (Non-Toxic Sunscreen Breakdown)
These are the top recommended brands by other moms looking for the same things as we are: non-toxic, limited ingredient, but also effective.
1. Arbonne
- SPF30
- Broad spectrum (UVA/UVB)
- Zinc based (mineral)
- Plant based
- Smoother feel
- Hydrating with Aloe vera and green tea
- Lightly scented
I do have an affiliate link for Arbonne products (read my affiliate disclaimer here), but it is honestly my favourite clean sunscreen and I was pleased to find it top rated on other forums like Facebook and Reddit! (You can find it here, and don’t forget to use code ARBONNE10 for 10% off at checkout!)
Keep scrolling to see other highly rated non-toxic sunscreen swaps!
2. Blue Lizard
- SPF50
- Broad spectrum (UVA/UVB)
- Zinc-based (mineral)
- Fragrance free
3. Babo Botanicals
- SPF50
- Zinc-based
- Plant-focused
- Scented with essential oils
Kid & Baby Non-Toxic Sunscreen Options
Kids’ sunscreens are usually specially formulated for their sensitive skin.
1. Arbonne
- Mineral based, broad spectrum, and unscented formula
Shop Arbonne Baby here (and don’t forget ARBONNE10!) or keep scrolling for more kids’ sunscreen swaps.
2. ThinkBaby
- Mineral based and limited ingredient list
3. Blue Lizard
- Comes in a stick for easy application; mineral based and fragrance free
Popular Sunscreens To Avoid
Oxybenzone and octinoxate are the active ingredients in several mainstream sunscreen brands and are what most people refer to when they say “chemical sunscreen”. The rest are just stabalizers, preservatives, and fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin (especially babies’ skin). They are also commonly avoided when people are searching for sunscreen alternatives.
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer → oxybenzone, avobenzone
- Banana Boat Sport → octinoxate, fragrance, sprays
- Coppertone Water Babies → chemical filters despite “baby” label
- Hawaiian Tropic → heavy fragrance + chemical filters
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios (chemical versions) → avobenzone, octocrylene
These are not “bad” or “toxic”. And they are definitely effective. But if you are trying to be mindful of those ingredients, those are brands that should be avoided.
The Truth About Choosing Non-Toxic Sunscreen
The truth is, there is no perfect sunscreen. The most effective for sun protection might be chemical based and have preservatives and fragrances. Mineral based might be effective but go on thick and might not last as long. Other clean options might go on smooth but contain cosmetic ingredients.
It all depends on what matters most to you and what is the right fit for your family. The only thing that matters is if you are going to actually use it or not. If you can’t find a sunscreen that meets your comfort level, there are several options to protect your skin without wearing sunscreen at all.
Sunscreen Free Sun Protection Options
Sunscreen is just one tool, not the only solution. Choosing ways to protect your family from the sun should not add to your mental load.
Some of the simplest and most effective ways to support your skin in the summer are:
- Wearing a wide-brim hat
- Using good sunglasses
- Staying in the shade during peak sun hours
- Choosing lightweight, breathable long sleeves
- Keeping yourself and your kids well hydrated
Simplifying Your Summer Wellness Routine
You don’t need to:
- read every ingredient
- stress over every label
- or get it perfect
You just need to:
- be a little more aware
- make a few better choices
- and move on with your day
For more on soft summer living, read this blog post here: How to Have a Soft Summer (No More Survival Mode)
And if you’re here for intentional living and more home and wellness rhythms, you’ll love these posts for summer:
- How to Reset Your Body When You Feel Off (5 Quick Steps)
- “Let It Go”: 5 Weird (And Controversial) Things I Do To Get Through The Day
- 31 Screen Free Activities for Kids That Give Moms a Mental Break
Is there a non-toxic summer product you swear by? Let everyone know in the comments what you love about it!
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